The ultimate runaway, the finale of the auction.

Seeing the attributes above, a look of surprise appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

"Good heavens! A permanent 10% increase to all attributes, and after activating 'Blood-Red Fury', it can provide an additional 30% increase in strength."

"That adds up to a 40% increase!"

This kind of increase can be considered quite terrifying.

If consumed by a Mutated Overlord like Bing Lan, it could increase her attack power by at least 200,000.

Even Sarah's lethality would see a massive boost!

Especially since… a pure strength-based hero had just joined his territory.

Tauren Chieftain: Cairne Bloodhoof.

If this fruit were given to him, it could take his combat power to the next level.

Of course, such a massive increase comes with a terrifying cost: the maximum HP is reduced by 30%.

Furthermore, remaining in the 'Blood-Red Fury' state for a long time carries the risk of losing control.

It is somewhat similar to Andrew's [Behemoth Form].

But regardless, this is an extremely precious fruit.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing satisfiedly stored it in his backpack.

City Lord Oran, standing nearby, sighed: "Lord Cao Xing, your luck is truly extraordinary."

"Most people who open black jars end up losing everything."

"You directly pulled such a precious fruit, making a net profit of tens of millions; it's truly beyond imagination."

Cao Xing chuckled and shook his head.

In fact, he earned far more than just tens of millions.

Besides this fruit, there were over thirty platinum ancient coins, equivalent to one-third of a Bright Moon Treasure Chest.

Plus, the subsequent pure fragment and the precious starfall ingot.

It can be said that whenever Cao Xing opens these kinds of jars, he basically makes a steady profit without any loss.

City Lord Oran continued to ask: "By the way, Lord Cao Xing, are you planning to sell this fruit?"

"If you intend to sell it, I would be interested in purchasing it—."

Saying this, he lowered his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Hearing this question, Cao Xing glanced at him with surprise, also seeing the longing in City Lord Oran's eyes.

This Blood-Red Heart Fruit is a god-tier fruit for most strength-based classes.

After all, the [Blood-Red Fury] state can increase strength by 30%, which can be used to turn the tide at critical moments!

At this moment, Cao Xing remembered something else.

Back then, when City Lord Oran was fighting several Red-Robed Bishops alone, he displayed a special ability.

It allowed his strength to skyrocket significantly, and at the same time, he became extremely resistant to damage, practically possessing an undying body.

This also made Cao Xing curious about what exactly this ability was like.

His gaze fell on City Lord Oran, and an attribute panel immediately appeared before him.

[Name: Oran Sharp]

[Race: Human]

[Affiliation: Ice Crystal Kingdom]

[Level: 70]

[Potential: Overlord]

[HP: 2,158,354 / 3,220,925]

[Attack: 30,452 ~ 31,224]

[Armor: 2,415 ~ 2,572]

[Skills: Master-level Kingdom Swordsmanship, Kingdom Swordsmanship: Severing, Kingdom Swordsmanship: Blade Seal, Kingdom Swordsmanship: Nine Swords, Kingdom Swordsmanship: Flying Blade]

[Commander-level Skill: Desperate Rampage (Activates all power within the body, entering a rampage state. Reduces maximum HP by 1% per second, increases own strength by 5%, and reduces damage taken by 5%. While in the "Desperate Rampage" state, for every 1% reduction in maximum HP, strength increases by 5% and damage reduction increases by 5%, up to a maximum of 90%. The state ends when maximum HP falls below 5%. Cooldown: 24 hours)]

[Overlord Domain: Berserk Swordsman Domain (When using sword-type weapons, increases own strength by 30% and increases the strength of friendly units by 10%)]

[Talent: Infinite Strength (Possesses strength far beyond peers since childhood; strength gained per level up is increased by an additional 30% ~ 50%)]

After reading the City Lord's attributes, Cao Xing withdrew his gaze, a look of realization appearing in his eyes.

Clearly, the state he activated when fighting the four bishops must have been that Commander-level skill, Desperate Rampage.

This skill is indeed terrifying!

The lower the HP, the more strength is increased, and it also comes with damage reduction, which can stack up to 90% at its peak.

Of course, while gaining powerful strength, one also needs to pay a considerable price.

It reduces the maximum HP by 1% per second, and automatically ends when it reaches 5%.

In other words, this skill can only last for a maximum of 95 seconds, and it also increases the risk of death.

And Cao Xing also understood why he wanted to purchase the [Blood-Red Heart Fruit].

Although his [Desperate Rampage] is powerful, its effect is not obvious when just activated; only when his HP continues to drop can it gradually exert its true power.

The ability granted by this fruit allows him to immediately reduce his maximum HP by 30% and increase his strength by 30%.

In other words, after City Lord Oran activates 'Rampage', he doesn't need to wait slowly for his HP to drop like before to gradually become stronger.

With the two skills stacked, his strength can instantly skyrocket by 60%!

For him, this is indeed a huge boost.

However… this fruit is equally very important to Cao Xing.

After all, his territory has so many strength-based classes, and he also possesses the SSS-grade talent [Eternal Power].

Cao Xing shook his head and said: "City Lord Oran, I do not intend to sell this fruit."

Hearing this, a trace of regret flashed in City Lord Oran's eyes, but he did not say anything more.

At this moment, Cao Xing's next sentence reignited his hope.

"City Lord Oran, no need to be disappointed; although we only have one Blood-Red Heart Fruit in our hands right now."

"But aren't we preparing to head to the ruins next?"

"There, we might be able to obtain more Blood-Red Heart Fruits."

City Lord Oran's eyes lit up instantly.

In those ruins lie countless treasures and opportunities, and the Blood-Red Heart Fruit is just one of them.

Of course, the ruins also contain all sorts of terrifying dangers; without sufficient strength, one cannot move an inch inside.

Let alone obtain the treasures within.

If someone else had said this, he wouldn't have quite believed it.

But if it were Cao Xing, it might actually be possible!

Thinking of this, City Lord Oran couldn't help but feel a glimmer of anticipation. Amidst the group's conversation, they continued to advance for about another one or two kilometers.

The area of this underground city is truly large.

Including the ruins on the outskirts, the diameter is about five or six kilometers.

Walking and browsing along the way, they spent about twenty minutes arriving at the central area.

The center of this city is not like the layout of Cao Xing's territory or those Giant Cities outside.

There is no Lords Manor nor a City Lord's Mansion.

Just like the ancient battlefield where they encountered that group of undead, the central area of this underground city is a huge plaza.

In the center of the plaza, there was originally a tall statue.

However, the statue here has collapsed, turning into a pile of ruins.

Looking around.

Nearby, Cao Xing saw a two-story black building, which appeared particularly striking.

City Lord Oran said: "Lord Cao Xing, that is the trading post established by the Giant Axe Mercenary Group."

"People in this black market who want to quickly sell treasures and exchange them for funds basically all come here."

Cao Xing looked over and indeed saw an endless stream of people entering and exiting the building.

He nodded and instructed the few people beside him: "You all wait outside first."

"Assam, you come in with me."

This loyal knight straightened his body and said respectfully: "Yes, Lord!"

Subsequently, the two of them entered the interior of this trading post together.

Inside, it was bustling with noise, and many mercenaries and some adventurers had formed long lines here.

The entire trading hall had seven or eight trading windows in total, and there were quite a few people lined up in front of each window.

Seeing this, Cao Xing directly found a window with fewer people and patiently waited in line.

The staff at this trading post were quite efficient.

In the line ahead, one mercenary or adventurer after another quickly completed their transactions and left.

A few minutes later, it was Cao Xing's turn.

Sitting inside the counter was a woman in her thirties or forties.

A head of dark brown curly hair was draped casually over her shoulders, appearing lazy yet elegant.

Her skin was fair, the corners of her eyes slightly upturned, carrying a mature charm.

This woman glanced at Cao Xing, her gaze lingering on the robe he was wearing for a moment, and a trace of imperceptible sharp light flashed in her eyes!

The [Frost Soul Robe of the Great Lich] that Cao Xing was wearing usually did not reveal too much magical fluctuation.

But just from the exquisite workmanship and the gorgeous appearance, one could tell its extraordinary nature.

However, this was the largest black market in the surrounding area, and as a staff member of the Giant Axe Mercenary Group, this woman…

She was used to seeing all sorts of people here.

Although she knew that the young man before her might have an unusual identity, she did not react excessively.

Instead, she asked indifferently, "What would you like to sell, guest?"

Cao Xing first took out that [Opal Orb (Gold)].

He asked, "What is the acquisition price for this?"

The woman merely glanced at it casually and quoted, "900,000 crowns."

Cao Xing was somewhat surprised, "So low? Isn't the market price outside 1.1 million?"

The middle-aged woman chuckled, her wavy hair on her shoulders trembling along with her.

"As you said, that is the market price outside."

"If you want to sell quickly here, either you accept this price, or you go elsewhere to sell it slowly."

Hearing this, Cao Xing fell silent for a moment.

He took out the black diamond and asked, "What about this?"

The middle-aged woman glanced at it again, "A black diamond, the quality is not bad, 500,000 crowns."

Cao Xing frowned slightly and calculated inwardly.

By this calculation, every item here was about 15% lower than the market acquisition price.

This meant losing over a hundred thousand on a million-crown item, and over a million if it were ten million.

And the items Cao Xing intended to sell this time were worth at least tens of millions.

That would be too much of a loss.

He shook his head and said, "Forget it, let me think of another way."

Thus, he turned and left with Assam.

The woman at the counter watched Cao Xing's back, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

Then she said indifferently, "Next."

Cao Xing and Assam walked out of the exchange together.

Isabelle, Braum, and the others waiting outside quickly approached them.

City Lord Oran saw the expression on his face and seemed to realize something.

He asked, "Lord Cao Xing, did you not get a satisfactory price?"

Cao Xing nodded, "Yes, the acquisition price here is too low. For large-scale transactions, the loss is a bit too much."

"We will think of other ways later to see if we can raise some funds."

After a pause, Cao Xing chuckled, "If all else fails, we'll just go dig up a few jars ourselves."

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on City Lord Oran's face as well.

He nodded and said, "That's fine, then let's prepare to set off now and head to those ancient ruins."

Overall, the trip to the black market had been quite rewarding.

There were indeed many things inside that tempted Cao Xing, but they required a large amount of crowns.

He planned to visit the Orchid Kingdom after this trip to the ruins.

After all, that was the headquarters of the Luna Chamber of Commerce; selling a batch of the resources he had on hand would easily fetch a significant amount of crowns.

Moreover, because of his relationship with Marita and the Yōulán Queen.

Presumably, the Luna Chamber of Commerce would also offer a good acquisition price.

Thinking of this, a curve appeared at the corner of Cao Xing's mouth.

Then, the group walked towards the outskirts of the black market.

At this moment, a middle-aged man in a grey robe, holding an account book, trotted over to their side.

"Everyone, please wait a moment."

The group stopped, turning their heads to look at this middle-aged man with confusion.

They quickly searched their memories, but it seemed no one knew him.

Cao Xing asked, "Is there something you need?"

This middle-aged man quickly said, "This guest, you have an extraordinary air about you; do you have any good items you would like to trade with our Giant Axe Mercenary Group?"

Cao Xing pondered for a moment and nodded, "We do have some things to trade, but your acquisition price is too low, so we are planning to go elsewhere."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man quickly said, "The price is negotiable."

"As long as the items you bring out are precious enough, we will even acquire them at a price higher than the market rate."

Cao Xing did not speak, waiting for him to continue.

The middle-aged man smiled and continued, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Cliff Webster, and I am a senior trading consultant for the Giant Axe Mercenary Group."

"In fact, we are currently preparing for our annual auction."

"If you have any rare treasures, we can not only provide you with the best price but also let your treasures shine at the auction."

"However—we at the Giant Axe Mercenary Group will charge a certain commission."

"Of course, this commission is not high, between 1% and 3% of the transaction price—"

Cao Xing listened and asked with interest, "Oh? There's such a good thing?"

The middle-aged man chuckled, "Of course, the Giant Axe Mercenary Group has always been known for its sincerity and fairness."

"As long as your treasure is rare enough, it can enter the auction, and we will even help you promote this treasure for free!"

"In recent years, many treasures from powerhouses have sold for astonishingly high prices at our auction."

After finishing, he looked at Cao Xing with a smile.

Cao Xing pondered for a moment.

The next second, a prismatic crystal appeared out of thin air in his hand.

The edges of this crystal were neat, and its surface emitted a seven-colored glow; it looked extremely beautiful.

This item was precisely the rarest of the crystals produced by the Crystal People, the [seven-colored crystal].

Recently, they had produced two more.

Cao Xing asked, "Can this item be included in your auction?"

Looking at this crystal, the middle-aged man pondered for a moment, as if recalling something.

Then, as if remembering something, he said in surprise, "This… this seems to be the seven-colored crystal exclusive to the Crystal People!"

"It can significantly enhance the capabilities of weapons or equipment, and can even enhance legendary-grade equipment!"

"But because the Crystal People are too scarce, this type of crystal is extremely rare."

"I didn't expect you to have one."

Cao Xing nodded inwardly; it seemed this so-called 'senior trading consultant' was quite knowledgeable.

The middle-aged man put away his shock, quickly regained his composure, and said, "If you are willing to part with this crystal, we can acquire it for 24 million crowns."

"Of course, this crystal also qualifies to enter the auction and become one of the items up for bidding."

"However, it still falls a bit short of being a finale item."

Hearing this, City Lord Oran nearby asked with confusion, "Such a rare seven-colored crystal cannot be a finale item?"

"Of course."

The middle-aged man nodded, "As the controllers of this black market, the auctions held by the Giant Axe Mercenary Group naturally have a very high standard."

"Each time, we prepare one hundred auction items, and the lowest value among them is over 20 million crowns."

"As for some finale items, there is no upper limit!"

His tone was full of pride; he seemed very confident in the auctions they held.

Cao Xing nodded inwardly.

According to what he said, this auction was indeed of a very high standard!

Even he was a bit tempted, wanting to see what kind of precious treasure the so-called finale item was.

At this moment, the middle-aged man's tone changed, and he whispered, "My lord, although your seven-colored crystal is precious."

"But I guess you must have something even more precious, right?"

Cao Xing's gaze hardened as he stared at the other person.

He had just opened the black jar on the street and obtained a [Crimson Heart Fruit], with so many people watching.

It was not strange for this person to know he had treasures.

Cao Xing shook his head, "The Crimson Heart Fruit is for my own use; I do not intend to trade it."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man smiled and said, "It is not the Crimson Heart Fruit."

"You should have something even more valuable in your possession."

Cao Xing frowned and thought carefully.

There were quite a few treasures in his backpack, but most of them were equipment, materials, and the like.

Things more precious than the Crimson Heart Fruit were indeed quite rare.

Moreover, he hadn't shown these things in front of others, so this middle-aged man shouldn't know about them.

Cao Xing pondered for a moment and said, "I have no more precious treasures on me."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man revealed a meaningful smile.

"You should have, sir—"

"As far as I know, don't you also have a young dragon?"

Hearing this, everyone on the scene froze, and then their auras all shook!

They all stared at the middle-aged man in front of them with serious expressions.

Cao Xing's expression instantly turned cold!